My friend I know you've suffered,

Although you are still young.

Why was it you who'd not take help

From anyone?



Oh it's true, it's very true, he said,

Some hard times I have known,

But I have always overcome them

On my own.



Oh the pearls that you hold in your hand

They are beautiful to see,

But you show them not to anyone,

Not even me.



For you are like the others, he said.

I never can be sure

That you wish just to see the pearls

And nothing more.



Why can you not see reason?

Our lives they are not long.

Why can you take no time

To tell us all we're wrong?



My tune it does not change, he said,

And neither does your song,

And words I use them rarely

When I'm all alone.